LIDAR Motor Control via Unidirectional Optical Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
LIDAR systems with non-contact interfaces face challenges in data transmission due to limitations in wired communications, slip ring decay, and size constraints that prevent bidirectional optical data communications.
Innovation Solution
A solution involving a separate wireless power transfer interface for motor control and a unidirectional data communications channel using optical data transfer, which allows for efficient feedback and control without the need for bidirectional data framing or communication protocol delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If slip rings are used for data transfer across non-contact interfaces, then data transmission is enabled, but the system suffers from decay over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical slip ring system with an optical communication system using LEDs and photodetectors. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear and decay issues while enabling reliable data transmission across the non-contact interface between rotating and stationary portions of the LIDAR system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If bidirectional optical data communications are implemented, then data transfer capability is improved, but device complexity and size increase due to requiring transmitters and receivers on both sides
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the optical transmitter from the rotating portion and places it only on the stationary portion. The rotating portion uses only photodetectors to receive optical signals. This asymmetric configuration reduces the number of optical components while maintaining full bidirectional communication capability through the stationary-to-rotating and rotating-to-stationary data paths.
3Productivity
If bandwidth limitations are addressed with bidirectional communication, then data transfer capacity increases, but latency increases due to half-duplex approach and communication protocol delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a time-division multiplexing approach where the single optical transmitter alternates between transmitting data to the rotating portion and receiving data from the rotating portion. By carefully timing these periodic transmission and reception windows, the system achieves efficient full-duplex communication over a half-duplex physical medium, maximizing data transfer capacity while minimizing latency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables reliable and efficient closed-loop motor control with unidirectional data feedback, overcoming bandwidth limitations and size constraints while maintaining low latency and simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
a unidirectional data communications channel using optical data transfer
Implementation Method 2
a separate wireless power transfer interface for motor control
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for closed-loop control of a motor in a LIDAR system over a wireless power interface using data feedback over a unidirectional data communications interface. An example method may include receiving, by a controller on a first portion in a LIDAR system, from a second portion including a second motor, and over a unidirectional data communication interface, data associated with the second motor, wherein the second portion is configured to rotate relative to the first portion. An example method may also include providing, over a wireless power transfer interface, to the second portion, and based on the data, a power signal, wherein the power signal is used to provide power to the second motor.